Zak, Joan Catherine

Joan C. Murphy Horvath Zak passed away on January 12, 2022 at the age of 89 years. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Lewis Lisle Murphy and Marie Reyman; a brother, Lewis Jr. (June) and a sister Gladys (Keith) Haubold.

Joan’s first husband, Louis Otto Horvath died in 1978 after twenty-four years of marriage during which he fathered and she mothered six children. Their oldest, Louis Mark died on August 1, 2004.

Her second husband, Bernie Zak, died in 2007 after twenty-eight years together.

She is survived by five children, seven grand-children, and two great-grandchildren.

Joan’s beloved children are: Louis Mark (Myriam) deceased August 1, 2004, Clare (Kevin) Moran, James Horvath, Katalin Horvath, Matthew Horvath (Mary Hagen), and Raphael (Lorriann) Horvath.

Her grandchildren are: Rebecca by Louis Mark and Myriam, Cullen and Margo by Clare and Kevin Moran; Teresa by Katalin Horvath and Dan Pikulik, Gregory by Matthew Horvath and Tammy Thom, Rachel and Kaley by Raphael and Lorriann Horvath.

Joan’s great-grandchildren are Dominick Dixon by Rebecca Horvath, Brandon Kassel by Teresa Horvath, and Ronnie Kassel.

Having to abandon all possessions when another safe step couldn’t be taken has landed me in a safe though small spot.

My lifetime of books may carry me through…

The library near school was a favorite place for my mom to pick me up during the school year. (Lombard is 3 miles East of where we lived). It had been the home of a sea-captain who brought lilacs from China. Joan’s close friend, Marilyn Nowak and Joan, were born on the same date and were roommates for four years at Alverno College

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All of these gifts to herself and us – we are family now and always. Remember, feed, and love one another.

“We are all related.” Lakota